Tunga penetrans―A Silent setback to development in Kenya

Abstract

Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease caused by the penetration of the female sand flea, Tungapenetrans, into the epidermis of the host. Through an intensive literature review, poor hygiene, poverty, social neglect, ignorance, and poor cultural beliefs were found to promote jigger infestation in Kenya. The research revealed the vicious cycle of poverty, low educational standards, low self-esteem/stigmatization, violation of civil rights, HIV/AIDS and secondary infections as the effects of the infestation. Fumigation, on-host treatment of animals, proper hygiene, and health education are the suggested control measures. Generally, one needs to be physically, emotionally and socially sound to appropriately deliver the much needed services of national development. The jigger infestation negatively impacts on these aspects of human health, hampering the wholesome participation in nation building by both the infected and the affected. As a country, the Jigger menace is frustrating Kenya’s attempts to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on poverty reduction by the year 2015, as well as reducing the pace of national development